Program

Physician Assistant M.S.

Year Approved

2019

First Advisor

Naser, Lisa

Abstract

Due to a lack of resources, awareness, and reinforcement of information, underserved youth are predisposed to unique health concerns. The health disparities prevalent among children living in poverty are many, but the topics of focus for this community outreach project include mental health, obesity, and asthma. Supplemental health education curriculum has the potential to alleviate the health disparities prevalent among such a vulnerable population (Thomas & Aggleton, 2016). To address the health disparities present specifically among underserved youth in St. Paul, MN, the group partnered with the after-school tutoring program at Central Baptist Church to provide education on the topics of stress reduction, obesity prevention, and asthma management. The supplemental health education was delivered in the form of interactive, sustainable health kits that focus on each specific health topic. Each health kit contained informational handouts and materials for activities, including written curriculum and scripts for future use. The health kits were demonstrated to the elementary students and program tutors over the course of two nights of programming. Both nights of demonstrations were met with success, as demonstrated by student and tutor responsiveness, level of engagement, and feedback. All health kits were donated to Central Baptist Church for future use and implementation into the program.

Degree Name

Masters of Science in Physician Assistant

Document Type

Masterʼs thesis

Included in

Primary Care Commons

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